Install Ubuntu Mate Mantic Minotaur (23.10) on VirtualBox

Ubuntu MATE 23.10 “Mantic Minotaur” is a lightweight, user-friendly Linux experience. If you want to try it without changing your main operating system, VirtualBox is your best friend. Here’s how to get Ubuntu MATE 23.10 running in a virtual machine—fast and easy.

What You’ll Need

• VirtualBox installed on your computer (Download here)
• Ubuntu MATE 23.10 ISO file (Direct MEGA download)
• At least 2GB RAM (4GB+ recommended)
• 10GB free disk space

Step 1: Set Up a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click “New.”
2. Name your VM (e.g., “Ubuntu MATE 23.10”).
3. Type: Linux
   Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)
4. Click “Next.”

Step 2: Assign Memory (RAM)

• Drag the slider or enter at least 2048 MB (more if your system allows).
• Click “Next.”

Step 3: Create a Virtual Hard Disk

• Select “Create a virtual hard disk now.”
• Click “Create.”
• Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and click “Next.”
• Select “Dynamically allocated” for flexibility, then “Next.”
• Set the size (at least 10GB recommended).
• Click “Create.”

If you ever need to increase your VM’s disk space later, check out this detailed guide: How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Step 4: Attach the Ubuntu MATE ISO

1. In the main VirtualBox window, select your new VM and click “Settings.”
2. Go to Storage > “Controller: IDE.”
3. Click the empty disc icon, then the disc symbol on the right, and select “Choose a disk file…”
4. Find and select your Ubuntu MATE 23.10 ISO file (Download here if needed).
5. Click “OK.”

Step 5: Start the Virtual Machine

1. Select your VM and click “Start.”
2. When prompted, pick “Try or Install Ubuntu MATE.”
3. Follow the on-screen instructions:
   • Select your language.
   • Click “Install Ubuntu MATE.”
   • Choose your keyboard layout.
   • Connect to a network (optional).
   • Choose installation type (“Erase disk” will only affect the virtual disk, not your real PC).
   • Create your username and password.

Step 6: Complete Installation

• Let the installer run. This can take a few minutes.
• Once done, click “Restart Now.”
• Remove the ISO if prompted (go to Settings > Storage and remove the ISO), then start the VM again.

Step 7: (Optional) Install VirtualBox Guest Additions

To enable copy-paste, shared folders, and better display, install Guest Additions:

1. With your VM running, click Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image…
2. Open the terminal inside Ubuntu MATE and run:
   sudo apt update sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)
3. Next, run the Guest Additions installer from the mounted CD.

Resources

• Ubuntu MATE 23.10 (Mantic Minotaur) ISO: Direct Download from MEGA
• How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware: Read the guide
• Official Ubuntu MATE Site: ubuntu-mate.org

You now have Ubuntu MATE 23.10 “Mantic Minotaur” running in VirtualBox. This setup is perfect for testing, learning, or daily use without changing your main OS.

Got questions or want more Linux guides? Drop a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!